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Province House 200th Anniversary

On February 11, 2019, the province will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Province House.

To celebrate the anniversary a number of public events and activities are being planned and a new logo has been designed that represents Province House’s architecture and unique details. Information about the logo and upcoming events will be posted on the NS Legislature website as it becomes available.

News Releases

Province House to Celebrate 200th Anniversary

The 260th anniversary of the House of Assembly, making it the oldest elected assembly in Canada and one of the oldest in the Commonwealth was marked today, Oct. 2, by speaker Kevin Murphy.

“The House of Assembly met for the first time in the courthouse at the corner of Argyle and Buckingham streets in Halifax,” said Mr. Murphy. “After a succession of temporary accommodations, construction began on a permanent building in 1811 and the legislature met for the first time on February 11, 1819, in the building we are in now, Province House.”

On Feb. 11, 2019 the province will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Province House.

"Great effort has been made in recent years to protect and maintain Province House as the symbolic home of all Nova Scotians,” said Mr. Murphy. “The anniversary will emphasize its role in the constitutional evolution of Canada, its rich history and unique architecture, and its continuity as the seat of government and an important cultural asset to the province.”

Province House is one of the most historic buildings in Canada. During the 175th anniversary in 1994 Province House was commemorated as a National Historic Site when Queen Elizabeth II visited, and was cited for both its architectural and historical significance.

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The 260th anniversary of the House of Assembly was marked today (October 2nd) by speaker Kevin Murphy.

On February 11, 2019 the province will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Province House.

To celebrate the anniversary a number of public events and activities are being planned and a new logo has been designed that represents Province House’s architecture and unique details. Information about the logo and upcoming events will be posted on the NS Legislature website as it becomes available.

Project to Renovate Province House Gardens

May 9, 2018

A project will begin later this spring to renovate the south gardens of the Nova Scotia legislature.

“This much-needed refresh will enhance the accessibility of the legislature grounds and beautify them in time to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Province House in 2019,” said Speaker of the House Kevin Murphy. “The grounds will be more attractive and inviting to Nova Scotians and visitors.”

Enhanced accessibility will be an important component, with paving stones replacing gravel on the pathways and ramps added to improve accessibility to the park area. Paving stones will replace the current asphalt driveway on the Hollis Street side of the building.

New benches will be installed in the area surrounding the statue of Joseph Howe, as well as planter boxes, flowering shrubbery and new sodding. The site’s drainage system will be enhanced and the grade improved.

The project calls for improved lighting to the Hollis Street side of Province House and the Joseph Howe statue, as well as more traditional lamp posts.

Province House will remain open during the renovation. The project is expected to be complete in early September.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

A project will begin later this spring to renovate the south gardens of the Nova Scotia legislature in time to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Province House in 2019.

Enhanced accessibility, drainage and lighting will be important components of the project.

Nova Scotia Legislature Launches Renewed Website

The aim of the renewed website, launched today, Dec. 13, is to improve and expand access to information about the legislature and the work of members of the legislative assembly.

“The website is a valuable tool for communicating to and educating people about the various functions, procedures, traditions and people that serve as the legislative branch of the government,” said Speaker of the House Kevin Murphy. “This new website has greater functionality and accessibility for users and maintains our commitment to transparency and responsible government.”

The website, nslegislature.ca, features integrated legislation and bills, quick access to top tasks, and a responsive design. Users will have a customized experience based on their preferred device. The website was launched in 1995. Nova Scotia was one of the first provincial jurisdictions in Canada to have an online presence.

The legislature was also the first provincial jurisdiction to adopt Twitter, and recently expanded its social media presence to YouTube and Facebook.

The launch coincides with the birth of Joseph Howe, journalist, politician and public servant. He championed access to information and dedicated his political career to furthering the public good.

“The renewed website builds on Nova Scotia as a jurisdiction of firsts - all for the public good,” said Mr. Murphy.

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